Coin-freed vending machine mechanism

Abstract

A mechanical coin-freed dispensing mechanism which is operated by the energy of the falling coins. Entering coins are sorted into at least two coin sizes that are respectively stacked edge-on-edge in two accumulator columns. The sorting is performed by pairs of rails, one pair for each coin size, along which the coins travel and which allow undersize coins to fall through while oversize coins will not fit between them. When either of two packet-vending drawers is pulled, pairs of fingers are operated that sense whether the correct totals of coins have accumulated in the columns by feeling for the top coin in each column. If either coin total is not correct, a sear or sears operatively connected with the fingers prevent the drawer from being pulled out. When a drawer is pulled out an interlock bar is cammed laterally to lock the other drawer and also swing aside deflector flaps supporting the columns of coins to allow them to fall into cash boxes. If a refund button is pushed before a drawer is pulled the deflector flaps swing in the opposite direction to deliver the coins to a refund cap. Each drawer contains a spring-loaded rising flat that prevents the drawer being pulled when empty and also prevents access to the back of a pulled out drawer after the vended packet is removed.